The Briarwood Family Residence is a temporary housing shelter for over 90 homeless families. One of the goals of Briarwood is to provide a pleasant, safe and well-maintained environment that encourages families to use the available social-service programs in order to move into permanent housing. A highly skilled professional social-service team conducts comprehensive family-needs assessments.Programs are offered for budgeting and saving, education and job training. Referrals for drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence are available.

Tasks Available for Students

Students are able to assist with the childcare program during the day during the shifts available below. In the afternoon, students can serve with the afterschool program and assist the children at Briarwood with their homework. After their homework is completed, the kids participate in recreation until 6 PM. Volunteers are needed to assist in these areas. St. John’s students can also suggest games, activities and workshops to facilitate at Briarwood. Students may also assist Case Managers with some paperwork.

Time Requirements

Childcare Assistance:8:00am – 10:00am Monday through Friday

10:00am – 12:00pm Monday through Friday

Recreation:2:00pm – 4:00pmMonday through Friday

4:00pm – 6:00pm Monday through Friday

Homework Help:3:00pm – 5:00pm Monday through Friday

Student Awareness/Special Instructions

vIf you do not schedule in advance, you will not be able to serve. Your name must be on the list to enter the building for liability purposes.

vYou must have your school ID with you to enter the facility.

vYou cannot complete six hours of service in one day at Briarwood.

Agency Directions

vPlease allot for ample time to find parking. It is suggested to take public transportation to this site. Parking is extremely limited in this area, if you must drive please make sure you have a least a half hour or more to look for a spot.

Public Transportation

Q46 to Main Street. Walk to 134th street or take the E/F to Union Turnpike (Kew Gardens).Look for a sign for court building and walk up three blocks on path (behind statue).Take Q46 to last stop (Queens Blvd) walk to Union Turnpike. Walk along Union Turnpike to 134th St.